STIMULATES Synonyms: 161 Similar and Opposite Words

stimulates

verb

present tense third-person singular of stimulate

as in arouses

to give life, vigor, or spirit to research into alternative energy sources has been stimulated by this funding increase

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as in provokes

to rouse to strong feeling or action the government crackdown has only stimulated the citizenry to more acts of violence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stimulates Repeatedly loading the muscles stimulates them to grow bigger and stronger in order to adapt to the demands placed on them. — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 17 Aug. 2026 Deadheading daisies helps maintain a tidy appearance, stimulates new growth, and encourages prolific blooms. — The Spruce, 11 Aug. 2026 As the caffeine in black coffee stimulates the nervous system, levels of the neurotransmitter epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) increase. — Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 9 Aug. 2026 Microneedling stimulates your own collagen with minimal downtime, while a series of light to medium chemical peels can brighten the complexion, improve texture and help fade residual summer discoloration. — Carlos Wolf, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 Although the precise mechanisms remain incompletely understood, evidence indicates that exposure to components of tick saliva stimulates the production of IgE antibodies against alpha-gal in susceptible individuals. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026 Marketing material for the serum asserts that mineral-rich comfrey bolsters bones, tendons and ligaments and noni stimulates circulation and supports detoxification. — Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Studies show rosemary oil not only stimulates hair growth, but helps the follicles to grow back stronger. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 31 July 2026 The percussive vibration unclogs impurities and excess sebum while the accompanying massage motion stimulates blood microcirculation and supports lymphatic drainage—exactly the mechanisms Cirino prioritizes in his professional treatments. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stimulates

Verb

More than three devices is considered a cluster that arouses interest.

— Carolyn Forché, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
That intense scarcity arouses a FOMO among very wealthy car lovers that allows Ferrari to charge prices like $250,000 for one of its entry-level cars, and $3 million for a hypercar like its F80.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

Definition of arouses

Verb

But after two decades in the rearview, Pluto’s demotion still stirs anger and controversy, and many people regard its change in status as a very bad thing.

— Mike Brown, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026
That’s just one example of how Healy has become the straw that stirs the drink for the Huskies.

— Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of stirs

Verb

There is an agency in charge of enforcing the rules with the objective of putting guardrails around a spending spree exacerbated by a transfer portal that encourages players to seek better offers from different schools.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Painting outdoors offers a slower, more immersive experience that encourages observation, patience, and connection with nature.

— George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of encourages

Verb

Grid connections arrive late, chip deliveries stretch, and a gigawatt that energizes in mid-2028 instead of early 2027 takes its revenue with it.

— Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Auspicious Jupiter energizes your 3rd House of Communication while imaginative Neptune harmonizes from your 11th House of Friends and Community, making ideas, introductions, and pitches flow more easily.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 20 July 2026

Definition of energizes

Verb

Eating it inspires an appreciation for the seamless integration of Mexican and Middle Eastern influences, melding to a state of emphatic brilliance in each bite.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
This is one of the BEST ways to recreate the communal devotion that the Premier League inspires.

— Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of inspires

Verb

The result is a drug delivery system that activates only when needed, avoiding the risk of long-term administration of needlessly high doses.

— Mike McRae August 19, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 2026
Whether positive or challenging, everyone will see it while the Scorpio moon activates Jupiter.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of activates

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“Stimulates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stimulates. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stimulates

verb

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